Are you a disciple of Christ?  To answer that question, we need to be sure we know what a disciple is.  Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary simply says that a disciple is, “a student, learner, or pupil.  In the bible, the word is used most often to refer to a follower of Jesus.” 

If we are true disciples of Christ, we are following Him and learning how to live God-pleasing lives since Jesus always did what was pleasing to His Father (John 8:29).  This week let’s give some thought to the cost of discipleship.

A principal characteristic of any true disciple of Christ is the willingness to serve others.  Fortunately, the church is filled with things to do and people to serve.  There is work to do in our public assemblies for faithful brethren.  There are weak members who need encouragement, sick members who need visiting, new members who need teaching, and working members who need help.  There are many, many opportunities to serve in the church, but it all begins with realizing that we have been called, not to sit, but to serve; not to be served by others, but to serve other people, and especially, to serve God.  We have been saved, not to be kings that sit in high places, but to be servants in the likeness of Christ.  Jesus put it like this:

Mark 10:45 (ESV)
⁴⁵  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

Remember, a disciple is a follower of Christ.  If Jesus came to serve, that should be our mission as well.  In the tennis world, some very good players lack in just one area—their serve is not very good.  If they would only improve their service game, they could become grand slam champions.  Likewise, many disciples of Christ are very faithful to Christ overall, but they never reach their full potential.  Why?  They need to improve their service game.  What about you?  Could you use some improvement when it comes to serving others?

The reason Jesus made the statement above is that two of His disciples, James and John, were overly concerned with being first and, therefore, being served by others (Mark 10:35-37).  The world defines greatness in terms of power and possessions.  If you can demand service from others, you have become someone important.  In our self-serving culture with its “me first” mentality, acting like a servant seems foolish.  Jesus, however, turned that mentality upside down by teaching that in the kingdom of God, serving one another is where true greatness can be found.  All true disciples of Christ should be like Him.  That is the point of ver. 45, and Jesus taught it even more clearly in the book of Luke.

Luke 6:40 (ESV)
⁴⁰  A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Jesus served.  Are you like Him?  The apostles learned the lesson of serving and they taught it to others.  Paul said, “…Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13).  And Peter wrote, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another…” (1 Peter 4:10).  

We must learn this lesson well.  It is the cost of discipleship.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.